Lion Links: 1/25/20

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. Even though temperatures are expected to dip over the next few days, the Florida sunshine should still make being outside a nice way to spend your days off. If you work this weekend, I wish you the best of luck and hopefully the day goes smoothly. Now, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world.

Antonio Nocerino Will Coach for Orlando

Just a day after announcing his retirement, former Lion Antonio Nocerino was added to the Orlando City Development Academy’s coaching staff. The Italian will become the head coach for Orlando City’s U-15 team and also serve as assistant coach for the U-17 side as well. After a long playing career that included time with both Juventus and AC Milan, Nocerino now turns his attention towards his future as a coach and learning more with Orlando City.

David Loera Reflects After First Week of Preseason

After signing a Homegrown contract this past December, midfielder David Loera is excited to be with the first team after spending his youth in Orlando City’s academy. With a love for the game that’s only been growing stronger over the years both in Orlando and during his time with NC State, Loera is happy to be with the team he dreamed about joining as the preseason continues. With nearly a week of training done, the 21-year-old has been motivated by old friends Santiago Patino and Benji Michel as they push and support one another.

“We try to look out for each other, but that being said, you know, we push each other as well,” Loera said. “This is just the starting point for us and we just want to continue to keep going. It’s awesome that we all kind of came up to the academy and have that relationship beforehand.”

Orlando SeaWolves Fall at Home

Although the team ended up losing, the SeaWolves put together a strong performance in a close 7-6 loss at home against the St. Louis Ambush. In fact, the SeaWolves had the lead going into the fourth period, only for the Ambush to score three goals and edge past them. Before the match, the SeaWolves added two new midfielders in Ryan Sandidge and Abdullah Alzubaidi. Neither featured in the match, but they could be just the boost the team needs moving forward.

Caitlin Foord Heads to Arsenal

The Orlando Pride traded for Caitlin Foord’s rights in a move that sent the first overall pick in the draft to the Portland Thorns, but it looks like Foord won’t be playing with the Pride anytime soon. Foord signed with Arsenal, following in the footsteps of Australian teammate Sam Kerr and other international players by leaving the NWSL for Europe. The Pride completed the trade knowing there was a chance Foord left the league, but Pride General Manager Erik Ustruck hoped he could convince her to choose Orlando. While that didn’t end up being the case, the Pride still have her rights in case she decides to return to the NWSL in the future.

Free Kicks

• Dani Weatherholt bid farewell to the Pride after being traded away to Reign FC earlier this week.

• Andrew Wiebe of MLSsoccer.com took a stab at ranking the biggest signings in MLS history, with Kaká placing fifth. Personally, I would’ve found a way to get Robbie Keane on the list.

• Former Lion Leo Pereira has caught the attention of Flamengo down in Brazil.
• Jason Kreis believes he will be able to call in some Europe-based Americans for the United States U-23 Men’s National Team’s Olympic qualifying.
• Speaking of such players, here’s a nice guide to the Americans playing abroad this weekend. The biggest game to watch features Tyler Adams facing off against Timothy Chandler in the Bundesliga.

That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a great weekend!